Author: Niki Clay

FEB2025 – What’s New in Downsizing

Posted on by Niki Clay

Happy February!

Downsizing is all about making your life simpler. If you’re struggling to decide which items to take with you when you move, count on Senior Settlers for the insight and pro advice to help you make the most of your transition.

This month we are looking at items that aren’t worth moving, wondering if you should try to hold on to your parents’ house, and just for fun: looking around for valuable vintage.

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Should You Keep Your Parents’ House?

It’s very common for heirs or adult children to consider keeping the family home as an investment property.  For some, this works out well, but the majority of people may find it’s more trouble than it’s worth.  
Don’t Waste Money Moving These Six Things 

We’ve seen plenty of strange things that people move, but we also see these common items that can often cost more to move than they are worth!
 

High-Value Vintage?

For most items, “vintage” may just mean “old”!  But some vintage items have serious value. Do you have any of the vintage goods on this list?

JAN2025 – What’s New in Downsizing

Posted on by Niki Clay

Hello there!

Welcome to January! We wish you a happy and healthy 2025.

A new year means new chances to make positive changes and begin your downsizing journey. This month, we’re sharing tips on how to create an accurate floor plan, as well as some of the common situations we’ve seen where real estate deals can fall through.

How to DIY a Floor Plan

An accurate floor plan is essential when you’re paring down your belongings and moving to a smaller place. These pro tips for a do-it-yourself floor plan tell you everything you need to know about the low-tech “paper doll” method for floor plans.  
5 Ways Real Estate Deals Fall Through

It’s always exciting to get a strong offer to purchase your property, but smart sellers hold off on celebrating until settlement. Here’s five common ways a real estate deal can fall through during the contract phase.
 

Will Your Family Want Your Stuff?

Traditional heirlooms like china and collectibles may not be in demand with the younger generation, but antique furniture, tools, artwork, and jewelry may find welcome recipients!

DEC2024 – What’s New in Downsizing

Posted on by Niki Clay

Hello there!

As you prepare to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, we hope you’ll also give yourself time to advance your downsizing and decluttering goals. You don’t need to wait until January to make a change – we’ve got the tools and advice you need to rightsize your life, starting now! 

This month, we’ve put together some great tips on how to maximize your small space for entertaining. We’d also like to challenge you to complete our 12 Days of Downsizing list, and learn more about the resale value of your fine jewelry. Make the most of the season and set yourself up for a successful 2025! 

Downsize Over the Holidays

The holidays present some challenges for downsizers. While seasonal obligations and activities can make us feel like we don’t have time to think about downsizing, December can actually be a great time to make some progress on your downsizing goals.  
Entertaining in a Small Space

Just because you’re living in a smaller space, it doesn’t mean you can’t still throw a mean party!  We’ve put together some pro tips for small-space entertaining success. 
Does Your Jewelry Have Re-Sale Value?

Thinking about selling your fine jewelry? This article explains how factors like brand prestige, market demand, and the condition of your pieces impact resale prices.

NOV2024 – What’s New in Downsizing

Posted on by Niki Clay

Hello there!

As the holidays rapidly approach and the year tapers to an end, we encourage you to challenge yourself to dedicate some time to downsizing before 2024. It may seem like this time of year is already too busy to add any to-dos to your list, but with our helpful tips, you can actually incorporate downsizing right into your holiday plans! And if you find yourself overwhelmed, our expertise and helping hands are always just a phone call away.

How Do You Downsize Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving presents downsizers with plenty of opportunities to enjoy their traditional meal preparation (or not!), pass special belongings on to family and friends, and focus on the simple joys of life.
What’s it like to work with a Senior Move Manager?

We love this detailed documentary that takes an in-depth look at a typical senior move, including the process before, during and after this 83-year old widower leaves his home of 25 years.
The Awkward Heirloom: No One Wants Grandma’s Fur

When the fashion of yesteryear meets today’s values. How do we honor the sentiment without compromising our beliefs or desires? Here are some NASSM tips on navigating the sometimes complicated process of preserving heirlooms.

OCT2024 – What’s New in Downsizing

Posted on by Niki Clay

Hello there!

As autumn ushers in cooler days and vibrant colors, many of us feel the call to make changes, both inside and outside the home. Whether you’re downsizing, selling, or simply refreshing your living space, these articles offer expert advice to help you transition smoothly this season.

Selling a Furnished Home

Learn the pros and cons of selling a home with furniture. A furnished home can be attractive to buyers, but staging and negotiating personal items can present unique challenges. Click here to read more.
Overcoming Decision Paralysis

Facing too many choices can make downsizing difficult. This article offers strategies to simplify decision-making, helping you avoid overwhelm and move forward confidently. Click here to read more.
Beware the Vacant Home

Vacant homes can be vulnerable to problems like maintenance issues, insurance lapses, and unwanted guests. Learn the top tips to protect your empty property from these potential hazards. Click here to read more.

SEP2024 – What’s New in Downsizing

Posted on by Niki Clay

Hello there!


As the days grow shorter and the season turns, it’s a great time to focus on streamlining and securing your life, both physically and digitally. This month, we explore the importance of organizing your digital legacy, the impact of clutter on well-being, and how downsizing doesn’t have to be a lonely experience.

We will be participating in the San Rafael Business Showcase at Embassy Suites on September 12, 2024. You can learn all about the event here!

Senior Settlers will also have a booth at the Marin County Senior Fair at the Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall on September 18, 2024. Here is a link for all the event information.

Both events are FREE to the public, and there will be a lot of great giveaways!

The Senior Settlers team is also headed to Chicago for the NASMM 2024 conference. We are A+ certified with NASMM, and look forward to learning and networking with other Senior Move Managers at the end of the month.
Organize Your Digital Legacy

No one enjoys talking about end-of-life issues, but password problems and online access can become a huge issue for those left behind to manage the details. Ensure your digital life is accessible to loved ones by securing passwords and designating legacy contacts on major platforms. Taking these steps can save your family significant stress, time, and money when settling your estate
The Consequences of Clutter

Clutter can pose serious risks, including quality of life issues and physical danger, especially for older adults. This report highlights the real concern and consequences of severe clutter in America.
Downsizing Doesn’t Have to Be a Lonely Existence

Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up on hosting and enjoying your home! With smart planning and multifunctional furniture, you can create a versatile space in your smaller home that’s perfect for both living and entertaining.

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What’s New in Downsizing

Posted on by Niki Clay

Hello there!


We hope you are enjoying your summer! We’re thrilled to bring you the latest insights and tips for making your transition smoother and more enjoyable. This month, we are highlighting the cost of delaying your downsizing plans, the top mistakes to avoid, and the latest trends in senior housing. We are also discussing upcoming local events, as well as the difference between Senior Move Managers and moving companies. Dive into these articles to empower your journey and ensure a stress-free move. Enjoy reading and happy downsizing!


Senior Settlers is NASMM A+ Certified, and we would love to help you with your move. All our contact information is below!

We will be participating in the San Rafael Business Showcase at Embassy Suites on September 12, 2024. You can learn all about the event here!

Senior Settlers will also have a booth at the Marin County Senior Fair at the Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall on September 18, 2024. Here is a link for all the event information.

Both events are FREE to the public, and there will be a lot of great giveaways!


Senior Settlers is NASMM A+ Certified, and we would love to help you with your move. All our contact information is below!

The Price of Procrastination

Delaying your downsizing plans can lead to increased costs and emotional stress. Discover the benefits of acting early and how to streamline your transition effectively.

Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Downsizing

Avoid common pitfalls like underestimating the time needed or neglecting sentimental items. Learn the top mistakes and how to sidestep them for a smoother move.

Senior Housing Rebounds as Boomers Move In

Senior housing is experiencing a resurgence as baby boomers seek new living arrangements post-pandemic. Explore the trends and what this means for the future of senior housing.

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